Information processing apparatus generating display screen data based on information on residual quantity of printing agent

ABSTRACT

In an information processing apparatus, a processor acquires first and second information on residual quantities of printing agent stored in first and second cartridges respectively. The first cartridge is mounted on a portion including a tank. The processor generates display screen data including first and second objects. The first object has a first position corresponding to a minimum residual quantity of the printing agent in a first state where the printing agent remains in the first cartridge. The second object has a second position corresponding to a maximum residual quantity of the printing agent, and a third position corresponding to a minimum residual quantity of the printing agent in a second state where the printing agent does not remain in the first cartridge but remains in the tank. The first position and one of the second and third positions are aligned at a reference position.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No.2018-053424 filed Mar. 20, 2018. The entire content of the priorityapplication is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a display screen for displayinginformation about a cartridge used to supply a printing agent to a printexecution device.

BACKGROUND

A conventional image-forming apparatus displays a display screen thatincludes gauges indicating the residual quantities of toner insmall-capacity cartridges, and gauges indicating the residual quantitiesof toner in large-capacity cartridges. In this image-forming apparatus,the position on the gauge specifying when the small-capacity cartridgeis empty is aligned with the position on the gauge specifying that thelarge-capacity cartridge is empty.

SUMMARY

However, the conventional technology described above does not give anyconsideration for the structures by which the cartridge is mounted andthe printing agent (ink or toner, for example) is supplied to the printexecution device. Consequently, depending on the structure for supplyingthe printing agent, it was not always easy using the conventionaltechnology to fully grasp the index value for the residual quantity ofprinting agent in the cartridge (e.g., the residual quantity itself) viathe display screen.

In view of the foregoing, it is an object of the present disclosure toprovide a display screen that enables the user to more easily grasp theindex value related to the residual quantity of printing agent in thecartridge.

In order to attain the above and other objects, the disclosure providesan information processing apparatus. The information processingapparatus includes a processor configured to perform: acquiring firstinformation on a residual quantity of printing agent stored in a firstcartridge mounted on a first supply portion, the first supply portionbeing a first type of supply portion including a first tank configuredto store printing agent supplied from the first cartridge, the firstsupply portion being configured to supply the printing agent stored inthe first tank to a first print execution device; acquiring secondinformation on a residual quantity of printing agent stored in a secondcartridge mounted on a second supply portion, the second supply portionbeing one of a second type of supply portion including a second tank anda third type of supply portion without any tank, the second tankconfigured to store printing agent supplied from the second cartridgeand having a volume different from that of the first tank, the secondsupply portion being configured to supply the printing agent stored inthe second cartridge to a second print execution device; generatingdisplay screen data representing a display screen including a firstdisplay image and a second display image, the first display image beingfor expressing a first index value based on the first information, thefirst index value concerning a residual quantity of the printing agentto be supplied to the first print execution device, the second displayimage being for expressing a second index value based on the secondinformation, the second index value concerning a residual quantity ofthe printing agent to be supplied to the second print execution device;and outputting the display screen data. The first display image includesa first object and a second object. Positions in the first objectindicate possible residual quantities of the printing agent to besupplied to the first print execution device in a first state whereprinting agent remains in both the first cartridge and the first tank.The positions in the first object has a first position corresponding toa possible minimum residual quantity of the printing agent in the firststate. Positions in the second object indicate possible residualquantities of the printing agent to be supplied to the first printexecution device in a second state where the printing agent does notremain in the first cartridge but remains in the first tank. Thepositions in the second object has a second position and a thirdposition. The second position corresponds to a possible maximum residualquantity of the printing agent in the second state. The third positioncorresponds to a possible minimum residual quantity of the printingagent in the second state. The second display image includes a thirdobject. Positions in the third object indicate possible residualquantities of the printing agent to be supplied to the second printexecution device in a third state where the printing agent remains inthe second cartridge. The positions in the third object has a fourthposition corresponding to a possible minimum residual quantity of theprinting agent in the third state. The first position, one of the secondposition and the third position, and the fourth position are aligned ata reference position.

According to another aspect, the disclosure provides a non-transitorycomputer readable storage medium storing a set of program instructionsfor an information processing apparatus including a processor. The setof program instructions includes: acquiring first information on aresidual quantity of printing agent stored in a first cartridge mountedon a first supply portion, the first supply portion being a first typeof supply portion including a first tank configured to store printingagent supplied from the first cartridge, the first supply portion beingconfigured to supply the printing agent stored in the first tank to afirst print execution device; acquiring second information on a residualquantity of printing agent stored in a second cartridge mounted on asecond supply portion, the second supply portion being one of a secondtype of supply portion including a second tank and a third type ofsupply portion without any tank, the second tank configured to storeprinting agent supplied from the second cartridge and having a volumedifferent from that of the first tank, the second supply portion beingconfigured to supply the printing agent stored in the second cartridgeto a second print execution device; generating display screen datarepresenting a display screen including a first display image and asecond display image, the first display image being for expressing afirst index value based on the first information, the first index valueconcerning a residual quantity of the printing agent to be supplied tothe first print execution device, the second display image being forexpressing a second index value based on the second information, thesecond index value concerning a residual quantity of the printing agentto be supplied to the second print execution device; and outputting thedisplay screen data. The first display image includes a first object anda second object. Positions in the first object indicate possibleresidual quantities of the printing agent to be supplied to the firstprint execution device in a first state where printing agent remains inboth the first cartridge and the first tank. The positions in the firstobject has a first position corresponding to a possible minimum residualquantity of the printing agent in the first state. Positions in thesecond object indicate possible residual quantities of the printingagent to be supplied to the first print execution device in a secondstate where the printing agent does not remain in the first cartridgebut remains in the first tank. The positions in the second object has asecond position and a third position. The second position corresponds toa possible maximum residual quantity of the printing agent in the secondstate. The third position corresponds to a possible minimum residualquantity of the printing agent in the second state. The second displayimage includes a third object. Positions in the third object indicatepossible residual quantities of the printing agent to be supplied to thesecond print execution device in a third state where the printing agentremains in the second cartridge. The positions in the third object has afourth position corresponding to a possible minimum residual quantity ofthe printing agent in the third state. The first position, one of thesecond position and the third position, and the fourth position arealigned at a reference position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The particular features and advantages of the disclosure as well asother objects will become apparent from the following description takenin connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a system according toan embodiment;

FIG. 2(A) is a schematic diagram showing structures of a print executiondevice and an ink supply portion having a double-chamber supply methodwhen a storage state of ink is a first storage state;

FIG. 2(B) is a schematic diagram showing structures of the printexecution device and the ink supply portion having the double-chambersupply method when the storage state is a second storage state;

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are schematic diagrams showing structures of a printexecution device and an ink supply portion having a single-chambersupply method;

FIG. 4 is a table illustrating an example of a management databaseaccording to the embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an image data generating process;

FIG. 6(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating residual rate displayimage for a printer having the double-chamber supply method when thestorage state is the first storage state;

FIG. 6(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating residual rate displayimage for the printer having the double-chamber supply method when theink supply portion is in the second storage state;

FIG. 6(C) is an explanatory diagram illustrating residual rate displayimage for another printer having a double-chamber supply method when anink supply portion of another printer is in a first storage state;

FIG. 6(D) is an explanatory diagram illustrating residual rate displayimage for a printer having the single-chamber supply method;

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a managementlist according to the embodiment;

FIG. 8(A) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a residual rate displayimage for a printer having the double-chamber supply method when thestorage state is the first storage state according to a variation;

FIG. 8(B) is an explanatory diagram illustrating a residual rate displayimage for the printer having the double-chamber supply method when thestorage state is the second storage state according to the variation;

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a displaycolumn according to a variation;

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples ofdisplay columns according to variations; and

FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B) are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples ofdisplay columns according to variations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION A. First Embodiment

A-1. Structure of a System 1000

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the structure of a system 1000. Thesystem 1000 is provided with printers 100A, 100B, and 100C, and amanagement server 300 constituting the information processing apparatusof the embodiment. The printers 100A, 100B, and 100C and the managementserver 300 are connected to a local area network NT and can communicatewith each other over the local area network NT.

The printer 100A includes a CPU 110 constituting the controller of theprinter 100A; a volatile storage 120, such as DRAM; a nonvolatilestorage 130, such as a hard disk drive or flash memory; a display 140,such as a liquid crystal display that displays images; an operationinterface 150, such as a touchscreen and buttons designed to acquireoperations performed by the user; a print execution device 160; an inksupply portion 170A; and a communication interface 180.

The communication interface 180 is configured to be in connection withthe local area network NT. Specifically, the communication interface 180is a wired interface conforming to Ethernet (registered trademark), or awireless interface conforming to the Wi-Fi technology (based on the IEEE(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.) 802.11standard or a standard based on this standard, such as one of theversions 802.11a, 11b, 11g, and 11n).

The CPU 110 is a processor that performs data processing. The volatilestorage 120 provides a buffer region that temporarily stores variousintermediate data generated when the CPU 110 performs processes. Thenonvolatile storage 130 stores a computer program PG1 for controllingthe printer, and an information database IB described later.

In the embodiment, the computer program PG1 may be pre-stored in thenonvolatile storage 130 when the printer 100A is manufactured.Alternatively, the computer program PG1 may be made available throughdownload from a server connected to the printer 100A over the internet,or may be provided in a recorded format, such as on a CD-ROM.

By executing the computer program PG1, the CPU 110 executes a printingprocess for controlling the print execution device 160 to print images.Also, by executing the computer program PG1, the CPU 110 transmits tothe management server 300 various printing information, which is relatedto the printer 100A and is stored in the information database IB, inresponse to a request from the management server 300.

The print execution device 160 executes printing operations under thecontrol of the CPU 110. The ink supply portion 170A supplies ink Ik asthe printing agent to the print execution device 160. FIGS. 2(A) and2(B) are schematic diagrams showing the structures of the printexecution device 160 and the ink supply portion 170A.

The print execution device 160 is an inkjet-type printing mechanism thatprints images on a paper constituting the printing medium using inksupplied from an ink cartridge 200A as the printing agent. Specifically,the print execution device 160 forms images on a paper by ejecting inkonto the paper from nozzles formed in a print head (not shown) to formdots on the paper. In the embodiment, the print execution device 160 isa monochromatic printing mechanism using a single color of ink Ik (black(K), for example).

As shown in FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B), the ink supply portion 170A is providedwith a mount portion 172A, an ink supply opening 174A, an intermediatetank 175A, and an ink channel section 177A. The ink cartridge 200A ismounted on the mount portion 172A.

Formed in the ink cartridge 200A are a main storage chamber 210A foraccommodating ink Ik, an air hole 220A, and an ink outlet 230A. The airhole 220A is an opening providing communication between the main storagechamber 210A and the external air. The ink outlet 230A is an openingthrough which the ink Ik is supplied from the main storage chamber 210Ato the ink supply portion 170A. The ink outlet 230A is provided near thebottom of the main storage chamber 210A so as to be capable of supplyingall of the ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A into the ink supplyportion 170A.

An integrated circuit (hereinafter called a “chip”) 250A is mounted onthe outer surface of the ink cartridge 200A. The chip 250A has a memoryfor storing various information about the ink cartridge 200A. Theinformation stored in the memory of the chip 250A in the embodimentincludes total printable sheet number TN and identification information(a serial number, for example) identifying the ink cartridge 200A. Thetotal printable sheet number TN specifies the number of sheets that canbe printed using ink Ik of the quantity accommodated in a new inkcartridge 200A (initial quantity). Hence, the total printable sheetnumber TN may be considered a value specifying the initial quantity ofink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A in units of printing sheets. The totalprintable sheet number TN may be set to a value obtained by dividing theinitial quantity of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A by the averagequantity of ink used for printing one sheet, for example.

The mount portion 172A is a holder, for example, in which the inkcartridge 200A is detachably mountable. The ink supply opening 174A isin connection with the ink outlet 230A of the ink cartridge 200A mountedin the mount portion 172A, and the intermediate tank 175A communicateswith the main storage chamber 210A via the ink supply opening 174A andthe ink outlet 230A. The ink Ik in the main storage chamber 210A issupplied into the ink supply portion 170A through the ink supply opening174A. The mount portion 172A has a contact CM that contacts an electrodeon the chip 250A of the ink cartridge 200A when the ink cartridge 200Ais mounted in the mount portion 172A. The printer 100A (the CPU 110) canread information stored in the memory of the chip 250A or writeinformation to the memory through the contact CM.

An auxiliary storage chamber 179A for accommodating the ink Ik and anair hole 178A are formed in the intermediate tank 175A. The air hole178A is an opening providing communication between the auxiliary storagechamber 179A and the external air. The auxiliary storage chamber 179Acommunicates with the main storage chamber 210A mounted in the mountportion 172A via the ink supply opening 174A, and stores ink suppliedfrom the ink cartridge 200A through the ink supply opening 174A.

Hereinafter, “upstream” and “downstream” are used with respect to an inksupply direction from the ink cartridge 200A to the print executiondevice 160. The upstream end of the ink channel section 177A isconnected to the auxiliary storage chamber 179A of the intermediate tank175A near the bottom surface thereof and is in communication with theauxiliary storage chamber 179A. The downstream end of the ink channelsection 177A is connected to the print head (not shown) of the printexecution device 160. With this configuration, ink Ik in the auxiliarystorage chamber 179A is supplied to the print execution device 160through the ink channel section 177A.

As is clear from the above description, the intermediate tank 175A isdisposed along the path of ink Ik flowing from the ink cartridge 200Amounted in the mount portion 172A to the print execution device 160.

This type of ink supply method that provides an intermediate tank alongthe path of the ink Ik leading from the ink cartridge to the printexecution device 160, as in the ink supply portion 170A of the printer100A, will be called a double-chamber supply method. FIG. 2(A) depictsthe ink supply portion 170A when a state of stored ink Ik (hereinafter,referred to the storage state) is a first storage state S1, while FIG.2(B) depicts the ink supply portion 170A when the storage state is asecond storage state S2. In the first storage state S1, ink Ik remainsin the ink cartridge 200A (in the main storage chamber 210A) and in theintermediate tank 175A (in the auxiliary storage chamber 179A). In thesecond storage state S2, ink Ik remains in the intermediate tank 175A(the auxiliary storage chamber 179A), but no longer remains in the inkcartridge 200A (the main storage chamber 210A).

The main storage chamber 210A in the ink cartridge 200A communicateswith the atmosphere through the air hole 220A, while the auxiliarystorage chamber 179A in the intermediate tank 175A communicates with theatmosphere through the air hole 178A. The auxiliary storage chamber 179Aof the intermediate tank 175A includes a section positioned lower (belowin FIG. 2) than the bottom of the main storage chamber 210A (the lowerend of the main storage chamber 210A in the vertical direction) formedin the ink cartridge 200A, and a section positioned higher than thebottom of the main storage chamber 210A in the vertical direction. Thus,when a new ink cartridge 200A is mounted in the mount portion 172A, someof the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A transfers from the main storagechamber 210A into the auxiliary storage chamber 179A through the inksupply opening 174A. Consequently, the level ISm of ink Ik in the mainstorage chamber 210A and the level ISs of ink Ik in the auxiliarystorage chamber 179A are adjusted to the same height (see FIG. 2(A)).

As ink Ik is consumed through printing by the print execution device160, the levels ISm and ISs drop while remaining at the same level aseach other. Once the levels ISm and ISs reach a vertical position ELcorresponding to the bottom of the main storage chamber 210A(hereinafter called an “empty level EL”), ink Ik no longer remains inthe main storage chamber 210A. Hence, the storage state shifts from thefirst storage state S1 in FIG. 2(A) to the second storage state S2 inFIG. 2(B). Here, the state in which ink Ik no longer remains in the mainstorage chamber 210A of the ink cartridge 200A signifies that ink Ik nolonger transfers from the main storage chamber 210A into the auxiliarystorage chamber 179A and includes a state in which some ink Ik remainsdeposited on the inner walls of the main storage chamber 210A.

The print execution device 160 can continue to print even after thestorage state of ink Ik has shifted to the second storage state S2, in acase where ink Ik remains in the auxiliary storage chamber 179A. If theink cartridge 200A is replaced with a new ink cartridge after thestorage state has shifted to the second storage state S2, ink Ik willnot be wasted since no ink Ik remains in the old ink cartridge 200Abeing replaced. Hence, the double-chamber supply method is advantageousin that the ink cartridge 200A can be replaced while printing is stillpossible, without wasting any ink Ik.

In the double-chamber supply method, a liquid level sensor (not shown)is provided in the intermediate tank 175A for detecting when the levelISs of ink Ik in the auxiliary storage chamber 179A has reached theempty level EL. With this arrangement, the CPU 110 can detect whetherink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200A. The liquid level sensor may beconfigured with a float having a smaller specific gravity than that ofthe ink Ik. With this configuration, the position of the float movesdownward after the level ISs reaches the empty level EL, making itpossible to detect when the level ISs has reached the empty level EL bydetecting movement of the float. In other words, the liquid level sensordetects whether the storage state of ink is the first storage state S1or the second storage state S2. Other methods known in the art may beemployed as the liquid level sensor, such as a method of measuring theelectrical resistance of the ink Ik. The ink cartridge 200A need not beprovided with a liquid level sensor when using the double-chamber supplymethod. Accordingly, the double-chamber supply method is alsoadvantageous in that the structure of the ink cartridge 200A can besimplified.

The ink volume corresponding to the boundary between the first storagestate S1 and the second storage state S2 will be called a boundary inkvolume. The boundary ink volume in the embodiment may be considered thevolume of ink in the auxiliary storage chamber 179A when the level ISsin the auxiliary storage chamber 179A has dropped to the empty level EL.The boundary ink volume may also be considered the maximum ink volume inthe second storage state S2. Further, the boundary ink volume isequivalent to the capacity of the section of the auxiliary storagechamber 179A positioned below the bottom of the main storage chamber210A. The number of sheets that can be printed using ink Ik of theboundary ink volume, i.e., the number of sheets that can be printedusing the remaining ink Ik in the intermediate tank 175A at a time whenthe storage state shifts from the first storage state S1 to the secondstorage state S2 will be called a tank printable sheet number SN. Thetank printable sheet number SN may be thought of as a value specifyingthe boundary ink volume in units of sheets. The boundary ink volume andthe tank printable sheet number SN are values dependent on the structureand size of the intermediate tank 175A and are specific to each model ofprinter.

The information database IB stores printer information related to theprinter 100A. The printer information includes information specifyingthe serial number and model name, for example. The printer informationfurther includes ink information regarding the ink Ik, and historyinformation about the printing history, for example. The ink informationmay include the total printable sheet number TN and the tank printablesheet number SN described above, as well as a remaining printable sheetnumber RN. The total printable sheet number TN may be acquired from thememory on the chip 250A of the ink cartridge 200A, for example. Theremaining printable sheet number RN is the number of sheets that can beprinted using the ink Ik that remains in the ink cartridge 200A and theintermediate tank 175A. The remaining printable sheet number RN iscalculated by subtracting from the total printable sheet number TN theaccumulated number of printed sheets since the ink cartridge 200A waslast replaced. When the ink cartridge 200A is replaced with new one, theCPU 110 updates the total printable sheet number TN in the informationdatabase IB to a value of a total printable sheet number TN transmittedfrom the new ink cartridge 200A. When the ink cartridge 200A is replacedwith new one, the CPU 110 may set the total printable sheet number TN inthe information database IB to a sum of the value of the total printablesheet number TN transmitted from the new ink cartridge 200A and acurrent value of the remaining printable sheet number RN stored in theinformation database IB.

The printer 100A (the CPU 110) maintains the printing information in theinformation database IB at the latest information by updating thehistory information and the ink information stored in the informationdatabase IB each time a printing operation is executed, for example.That is, the remaining printable sheet number RN stored in theinformation database IB may be updated each time the printer 100Aexecutes a printing operation.

The printer 100B is provided with an ink supply portion 170B (seeFIG. 1) that differs from the ink supply portion 170A of the printer100A. The remaining structure of the printer 100B is identical to thatof the printer 100A. As with the ink supply portion 170A, the ink supplyportion 170B employs a double-chamber supply method (not shown) thatprovides an intermediate tank along the path of ink Ik flowing from theink cartridge to the print execution device 160. However, the capacityof the intermediate tank (auxiliary storage chamber) in the ink supplyportion 170B differs from the capacity of the intermediate tank 175A inthe ink supply portion 170A and, hence, the tank printable sheet numberSN of the printer 100B differs from the tank printable sheet number SNof the printer 100A. Further, an ink cartridge 200B (see FIG. 1) mountedin the ink supply portion 170B has a different initial volume of ink Ikfrom the initial volume of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A.Consequently, the total printable sheet number TN of the ink cartridge200B differs from the total printable sheet number TN of the inkcartridge 200A.

The printer 100C is provided with an ink supply portion 170C thatdiffers from the ink supply portion 170A of the printer 100A. Theremaining structure of the printer 100C is identical to that of theprinter 100A. The ink supply portion 170C employs a single-chambersupply method that does not provide an intermediate tank along the pathof the ink Ik flowing from an ink cartridge 200C to the print executiondevice 160.

FIGS. 3(A) and 3(B) are schematic diagrams showing the structures of theprint execution device 160 and the ink supply portion 170C of theprinter 100C. The ink supply portion 170C is provided with theinkjet-type print execution device 160 similar to the print executiondevice 160 of the printer 100A, a mount portion 172C, an ink supplyopening 174C, and an ink channel section 177C.

As with the ink cartridge 200A, the ink cartridge 200C has a storagechamber 210C that accommodates ink Ik, an air hole 220C that providescommunication between the storage chamber 210C and the external air, andan ink outlet 230C through which ink Ik is supplied to the ink supplyportion 170C. As with the ink cartridge 200A, a chip 250C is mounted onthe outer surface of the ink cartridge 200C.

The mount portion 172C is a holder, for example, in which the inkcartridge 200C is detachably mountable. The ink supply opening 174Ccommunicates with the ink outlet 230C in the ink cartridge 200C mountedin the mount portion 172C. The upstream end of the ink channel section177C communicates with the storage chamber 210C via the ink supplyopening 174C, while the downstream end is connected to a print head (notshown) in the print execution device 160C. With this configuration, inkIk in the ink cartridge 200C (the storage chamber 210C) is supplied tothe print execution device 160C through the ink channel section 177C.

With the single-chamber supply method, a liquid level sensor (not shown)is provided in the ink cartridge 200C for detecting whether a level ISof ink Ik in the storage chamber 210C has reached an empty level ELc.

Since the single-chamber supply method does not include the intermediatetank provided in the double-chamber supply method, the print executiondevice 160 becomes unable to print prior to the ink cartridge 200Crunning out of ink Ik. Specifically, the problem of air becoming mixedin with ink Ik supplied to the print execution device 160 may occur whenthe residual quantity of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C is slight.Therefore, printing with the print execution device 160 must be haltedbefore the ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200C is insufficient toprevent air from entering the ink.

Therefore, in the single-chamber supply method the empty level ELc (seeFIG. 3(A)) is set above the empty level EL (see FIGS. 2 and 3) in theink cartridge 200A. Specifically, a vertical length between the emptylevel ELc and the bottom of the main storage chamber 210C is longer thana vertical length between the empty level EL and the bottom of the mainstorage chamber 210A. FIG. 3(B) shows the state of stored ink when thelevel IS of ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C has reached the empty levelELc. In this state, a small quantity of ink Ik remains in the inkcartridge 200C (the storage chamber 210C). When using the single-chambersupply method, the ink cartridge 200C is replaced after the level IS ofink Ik in the ink cartridge 200C has reached the empty level ELc.

The management server 300 is a computer owned by the administrator ofthe printers 100A, 100B, and 100C. The management server 300 is providedwith a CPU 310 serving as the controller of the management server 300; avolatile storage 320, such as DRAM; a nonvolatile storage 330, such as ahard disk drive or flash memory; a display 340, such as a liquid crystaldisplay that displays images; an operation interface 350, such as akeyboard and mouse; and a communication interface 380.

The communication interface 380 is connected to the local area networkNT. As with the communication interface 180 of the printer 100A, thecommunication interface 380 is a wired interface conforming withEthernet (registered trademark), or a wireless interface conforming withWi-Fi technology or a standard based on the Wi-Fi technology.

The CPU 310 is a processor that performs data processes. The volatilestorage 320 provides a buffer region for temporarily storing variousintermediate data generated when the CPU 310 performs processes. Thenonvolatile storage 330 stores a computer program PG2, and a managementdatabase PD.

The computer program PG2 is an application program provided in adownloadable format from a vendor server. Here, the vendor server is aserver provided by the company that manages the system 1000 or thevendor that manufactures the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C.Alternatively, the computer program PG2 may be provided in a recordedformat, such as on a CD-ROM, or may be pre-stored in the nonvolatilestorage 330 when the management server 300 is manufactured.

By executing the computer program PG2, the management server 300 (theCPU 310) can execute processes described later related to management ofthe printers 100A, 100B, and 100C in the system 1000, such as an imagedata generating process.

The management database PD records device information collected by themanagement server 300. FIG. 4 shows an example of the managementdatabase PD according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, themanagement database PD includes entries EN1, EN2, and EN3 correspondingto the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C under management.

The entry EN1 corresponds to the printer 100A, and includes a pluralityof printer information items for the printer 100A, and specifically aserial number, a model name, an IP address, and ink-related informationfor the ink Ik. In this example, the ink-related information includesinformation on the supply method of the ink Ik, total printable sheetnumber TN, tank printable sheet number SN, and remaining printable sheetnumber RN described above, as well as a cartridge residual rate CR andan intermediate tank residual rate SR.

The serial number is identification information used to identify theprinter 100A. The model name specifies the model of the printer 100A.The IP address is an address that has been assigned to the printer 100A.

The cartridge residual rate CR indicates the percentage (in units of %)of ink Ik remaining in the ink cartridge 200A. In the structure shown inFIG. 2(A), ink Ik in the intermediate tank 175A remains at a level abovethe empty level EL when ink remains in the ink cartridge 200A, but thisportion of ink above the empty level EL is treated as part of theresidual ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A. This is because expressingthe ink Ik present in the intermediate tank 175A as the quantity of inkIk that can be consumed after the ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200Areaches zero (i.e., after the storage state shifts from the firststorage state S1 to the second storage state S2) is a meaningful guidefor replacing the ink cartridge. Therefore, for the printer 100Aemploying a double-chamber supply method, the cartridge residual rate CRis calculated according to equation (1) below using the total printablesheet number TN, the tank printable sheet number SN (the number ofprintable sheets after ink Ik in the ink cartridge 200A reaches zero),and the remaining printable sheet number RN.CR=100×(RN−SN)/(TN−SN) when RN>SNCR=0 when RN≤SN   (1)

When the remaining printable sheet number RN is greater than the tankprintable sheet number SN (i.e., when RN>SN), the state of the storedink Ik is in the first storage state S1, indicating that ink Ik remainsin the ink cartridge 200A. The numerator (RN−SN) specifies the number ofsheets that can be printed using the remaining ink Ik in the inkcartridge 200A (including ink Ik in the intermediate tank 175Apositioned above the empty level EL). The denominator (TN−SN) indicatesthe number of sheets that can be printed using ink Ik present in the inkcartridge 200A at the moment the new ink cartridge 200A was mounted(including ink Ik in the intermediate tank 175A positioned above theempty level EL). When the remaining printable sheet number RN is lessthan or equal to the tank printable sheet number SN (RN≤SN), the stateof stored ink Ik is in the second storage state S2 described above,indicating that ink Ik no longer remains in the ink cartridge 200A.Accordingly, the cartridge residual rate CR is 0 when RN≤SN.

In the configuration shown in FIG. 2, the intermediate tank residualrate SR is the percentage (in units of %) of ink Ik present in thesection of the intermediate tank 175A below the empty level EL. Theintermediate tank residual rate SR is calculated according to equation(2) below using the tank printable sheet number SN and the remainingprintable sheet number RN.SR=100 when RN>SNSR=100×RN/SN when RN≤SN   (2)

When the remaining printable sheet number RN is greater than the tankprintable sheet number SN (i.e., when RN>SN), the state of stored ink Ikis in the first storage state S1 described above, indicating that ink Ikremains in the ink cartridge 200A. Hence, the intermediate tank residualrate SR is set to 100%. When the remaining printable sheet number RN isless than or equal to the tank printable sheet number SN (i.e., RN≤SN),the state of stored ink Ik is in the second storage state S2 describedabove, indicating that ink remains only in the intermediate tank 175A.

As described above, the cartridge residual rate CR and the intermediatetank residual rate SR are two specific index values specifying theresidual rate of ink Ik to be supplied to the printer 100A in which theink cartridge 200A is mounted.

The entries EN2 and EN3 for the printer 100B and printer 100C,respectively, include information for the same items that are includedin the entry EN1 for the printer 100A. However, the printer 100C employsa single-chamber supply method and is not provided with an intermediatetank. Accordingly, the entry EN3 does not include a tank printable sheetnumber SN and the intermediate tank residual rate SR. For the printer100C that employs a single-chamber supply method, the cartridge residualrate CR is calculated according to equation (3) below using the totalprintable sheet number TN and remaining printable sheet number RN.CR=100×RN/TN   (3)

Of the printer information recorded in the management database PD in theembodiment, the serial number, the model name, and the IP address foreach printer are acquired by the management server 300 when operationsof the system 1000 are initiated, for example. In the embodiment, SimpleNetwork Management Protocol (SNMP) is used for acquiring thisinformation. Specifically, the management server 300 broadcasts an SNMPrequest over the local area network NT to search for printers on thelocal area network NT. The printers 100A, 100B, and 100C issue responsesto the SNMP request that include their own IP address. The managementserver 300 then uses each IP address received in response to the SNMPrequest to transmit an individual SNMP request to each of the printers100A, 100B, and 100C requesting the transmission of their serial numberand model name, and receives the serial number and model name for eachof the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C in response to the correspondingSNMP request. The management server 300 then records the correspondingserial number, model name, and IP address in the management database PD,thereby registering the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C as printers undermanagement.

Of the printer information recorded in the management database PD, thesupply method of the ink Ik, the total printable sheet number TN, thetank printable sheet number SN, and the remaining printable sheet numberRN are acquired from the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C under managementin the image data generating process described later. The managementserver 300 calculates the cartridge residual rate CR and theintermediate tank residual rate SR and records this information in themanagement database PD in the image data generating process.

A-2. Operations of the System 1000

A-2-1. Image Data Generating Process

The management server 300 (the CPU 310) executes an image datagenerating process periodically, such as at predetermined times with afrequency of one to multiple times per day. The image data generatingprocess is performed to generate image data for displaying a managementlist MLT that includes printer information for the printers undermanagement. In the embodiment, the printers under management are theprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating stepsin the image data generating process.

In S110 of FIG. 5, the management server 300 collects printerinformation from each of the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C undermanagement. In the embodiment, the management server 300 collectsprinter information using SNMP. Specifically, the management server 300transmits a SNMP request to each of the printers 100A, 100B, and 100Crequesting desired items of the printer information. The managementserver 300 subsequently receives this printer information from each ofthe printers 100A, 100B, and 100C in response to the SNMP request. Themanagement server 300 records the printer information collected from thetarget printers in the management database PD. The information collectedfrom each printer includes the supply method of the ink Ik, the totalprintable sheet number TN, the tank printable sheet number SN, and theremaining printable sheet number RN described above.

In S115 the management server 300 selects one target printer from amongthe printers 100A, 100B, and 100C under management.

In S120 the management server 300 determines a display length TL for aresidual rate display image RI based on the total printable sheet numberTN. FIGS. 6(A)-6(D) show examples of residual rate display images RI.The residual rate display image RI functions to display the rate(percentage) of residual ink Ik (the cartridge residual rate CR and theintermediate tank residual rate SR) in the printers under management.For example, a residual rate display image RIa in FIG. 6(A) is theresidual rate display image RI for the printer 100A, which employs adouble-chamber supply method. In the embodiment, the residual ratedisplay image RI is a band-like image elongated in the left-rightdirection. The display length TL of the residual rate display image RIis the longitudinal length of the same. As an example, the displaylength TL is calculated according to the following equation (4).TL=(TN/TNmax)×TLmax   (4)

Here, TNmax is the largest total printable sheet number TN among theprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C under management, and TLmax is the largestdisplay length that can be set. TLmax is a value based on the size ofthe display area for the residual rate display images RI. Thus, in theembodiment the display length TL for the residual rate display image RIof each printer is set based on the total printable sheet numbers TN ofthe printers 100A, 100B, and 100C under management. Consequently, thedisplay length of the residual rate display image RI (i.e., thelongitudinal lengths of the main object and the sub object describedlater) can be set appropriately, making it possible to provide amanagement list MLT that includes easily readable residual rate displayimages RI. This method prevents the residual rate display images RI frombeing too difficult to read due to their display lengths being tooshort, for example.

In S125 the management server 300 determines whether the ink supplymethod of the target printer is the double-chamber supply method basedon the printer information acquired from the target printer specifyingthe supply method for ink Ik. In this example, the management server 300determines that the supply method is a double-chamber supply method whenthe target printer is the printer 100A or 100B, and determines that thesupply method is not the double-chamber supply method when the targetprinter is the printer 100C.

If the supply method of the ink Ik is a double-chamber supply method(S125: YES), in S130 the management server 300 determines whether theremaining printable sheet number RN is less than or equal to the tankprintable sheet number SN for the target printer. Put another way, aremaining printable sheet number RN less than or equal to the tankprintable sheet number SN signifies that the storage state of ink Ik fora target printer having a double-chamber supply method is the secondstorage state S2, and a remaining printable sheet number RN greater thanthe tank printable sheet number SN signifies that the storage state ofink Ik for the target printer is the first storage state S1.

When the remaining printable sheet number RN is less than or equal tothe tank printable sheet number SN (S130: YES), the ink cartridge 200Ano longer contains residual ink Ik since the storage state of the ink Ikis the second storage state S2. Consequently, in S135 the managementserver 300 sets the cartridge residual rate CR to 0% (see equation (1)).In S140 the management server 300 calculates the intermediate tankresidual rate SR (see equation (2)).

When the remaining printable sheet number RN is greater than the tankprintable sheet number SN (S130: NO), ink Ik remains in the inkcartridge 200A since the storage state of the ink Ik is the firststorage state S1. Accordingly, in S150 the management server 300calculates the cartridge residual rate CR according to the equation (1).In S155 the management server 300 sets the intermediate tank residualrate SR to 100% (see equation (2)).

When the supply method of the ink Ik is not a double-chamber supplymethod, i.e., when the supply method is a single-chamber supply method(S125: NO), in S160 the management server 300 calculates the cartridgeresidual rate CR according to the equation (3). Note that the concept ofan intermediate tank residual rate SR does not exist for the printer100C, since printers employing the single-chamber supply method do notinclude an intermediate tank. Therefore, when the supply method is asingle-chamber supply method, the management server 300 does notcalculate the intermediate tank residual rate SR.

In S165 the management server 300 generates display image datarepresenting the residual rate display image RI. The residual ratedisplay image RI serves to indicate the residual rate (percentage) ofink Ik (the cartridge residual rate CR and the intermediate tankresidual rate SR) set based on the remaining printable sheet number RNand the like. FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B) show examples of the residual ratedisplay image RIa represented by display image data generated when thetarget printer is the printer 100A, which employs the double-chambersupply method. FIG. 6(A) depicts the residual rate display image RIawhen the storage state of ink Ik in the printer 100A is in the firststorage state S1.

As shown in FIG. 6(A), the residual rate display image RIa for thedouble-chamber supply method includes a main object MOa, and a subobject SOa. The main object MOa and sub object SOa are both band-likeobjects extending linearly in the left-right direction. The main objectMOa includes a left end E1 a and a right end E2 a. The sub object SOaincludes a left end E3 a and a right end E4 a. The left end E1 a is incontact with the right end E4 a.

The main object MOa functions to indicate the cartridge residual rateCR. Positions in the longitudinal direction of the main object MOa (theleft-right direction in FIG. 6(A)) correspond to possible values of thecartridge residual rate CR (values between 0 and 100%). For example, theleft end E1 a of the main object MOa corresponds to the smallestpossible value (0%) of the cartridge residual rate CR, while the rightend E2 a of the main object MOa corresponds to the largest possiblevalue (100%) of the cartridge residual rate CR.

Since the cartridge residual rate CR corresponds to the residualquantity of ink Ik in the first storage state S1, the longitudinalpositions of the main object MOa correspond to the possible residualquantities of ink Ik in the first storage state S1. For example, theleft end E1 a corresponds to the smallest possible residual quantity ofink Ik in the first storage state S1, while the right end E2 acorresponds to the largest possible residual quantity of ink Ik in thefirst storage state S1. As the position in the longitudinal direction ofthe main object MOa moves from right to left, the corresponding residualquantity of ink Ik grows smaller. Hence, a first position on the mainobject Moa in the longitudinal direction (e.g., the position of theright end E2 a of the main object MOa) corresponds to a first residualquantity of ink Ik (e.g., the maximum value in the first storage stateS1), while a second position farther leftward from the first position(e.g., the position of the left end E1 a of the main object MOa)corresponds to a second residual quantity of ink Ik smaller than thefirst residual quantity (e.g., the minimum value in the first storagestate S1). Thus, the band-like main object MOa can be used to render aresidual rate display image RIa by which the residual rate (percentage)of ink Ik for the printer 100A in the first storage state S1 can beeasily grasped.

The sub object SOa functions to indicate the intermediate tank residualrate SR. Positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub object SOa(left-right direction in FIG. 6(A)) correspond to possible values of theintermediate tank residual rate SR (values between 0 and 100%). Forexample, the left end E3 a corresponds to the smallest possible value ofthe intermediate tank residual rate SR (0%), and the right end E4 acorresponds to the largest possible value of the intermediate tankresidual rate SR (100%).

Since the intermediate tank residual rate SR corresponds to the residualquantity of ink Ik during the second storage state S2, positions in thelongitudinal direction of the sub object SOa may be said to correspondto possible residual quantities of ink Ik in the second storage stateS2. For example, the left end E3 a of the sub object SOa corresponds tothe smallest possible residual quantity of ink Ik in the second storagestate S2, while the right end E4 a of the sub object SOa corresponds tothe largest possible residual quantity of ink Ik in the second storagestate S2. Similar to the main object MOa, as the longitudinal positionon the sub object SOa moves from right to left, the correspondingresidual quantity of ink Ik grows smaller. The right end E4 a of the subobject SOa is at the same longitudinal position as the left end E1 a ofthe main object MOa.

The residual rate display image RIa has a total longitudinal length TLacorresponding to the display length TL set in S120. The ratio of thetotal longitudinal length TLa of the residual rate display image RIa toa longitudinal length SLa of the sub object SOa is equivalent to theratio of the total printable sheet number TN to the tank printable sheetnumber SN. The residual rate display image RIa includes a residual rateindication area IAa and a consumed rate indication area EAa. Theresidual rate indication area IAa is shown as the shaded section in theresidual rate display image RIa and indicates the residual rate(percentage) of ink Ik. The consumed rate indication area EAa is shownas the unshaded section in the residual rate display image RIa andindicates the rate (percentage) of consumed ink Ik. In the first storagestate S1, a boundary IEa between the residual rate indication area IAaand the consumed rate indication area EAa falls inside the main objectMOa. In the first storage state S1, the entirety of the sub object SOais included in the residual rate indication area IAa since theintermediate tank residual rate SR is 100%. The percentage of a sectionin the main object MOa occupied by the residual rate indication area IAato the entire main object MOa is equivalent to the cartridge residualrate CR. More specifically, the main object MOa has a total longitudinallength MLa. The section in the main object MOa occupied by the residualrate indication area IAa has a longitudinal length CRLa. The percentageof the longitudinal length CRLa to the total longitudinal length MLa isequivalent to the cartridge residual rate CR. The residual rateindication area IAa includes a longitudinal length RLa. The ratio of thelongitudinal length RLa to the total longitudinal length TLa isequivalent to the ratio of the remaining printable sheet number RN tothe total printable sheet number TN.

FIG. 6(B) shows the residual rate display image RIa when the storagestate of ink Ik for the printer 100A is the second storage state S2. Inthe second storage state S2, the boundary IEa between the residual rateindication area IAa and the consumed rate indication area EAa fallswithin the sub object SOa. Since the cartridge residual rate CR in thesecond storage state S2 is 0%, the entirety of the main object MOaconstitutes part of the consumed rate indication area EAa. Thepercentage of the section in the sub object SOa occupied by the residualrate indication area IAa to the entire sub object SOa is equivalent tothe intermediate tank residual rate SR. Specifically, the sub object SOahas a longitudinal length SLa. The residual rate indication area IAa hasa longitudinal length RLa. The percentage of the longitudinal length RLato the longitudinal length SLa is equivalent to the intermediate tankresidual rate SR.

FIG. 6(C) shows an example of a residual rate display image RIbrepresented by display image data that was generated when the targetprinter is the printer 100B, which employs a double-chamber supplymethod.

As shown in FIG. 6(C), the residual rate display image RIb for adouble-chamber supply method includes a main object MOb, and a subobject SOb, similar to the residual rate display image RIa describedabove. The main object MOb includes a left end E1 b and a right end E2b. The sub object SOb includes a left end E3 b and a right end E4 b. Theleft end E1 b is in contact with the right end E4 b.

Positions in the longitudinal direction of the main object MObcorrespond to possible values of the cartridge residual rate CR (valuesbetween 0 and 100%). Since the cartridge residual rate CR corresponds tothe residual quantity of ink Ik in the first storage state S1,longitudinal positions in the main object MOb may be said to correspondto possible residual quantities of ink Ik in the first storage state S1.For example, the left end E1 b corresponds to the smallest possibleresidual quantity of ink Ik in the first storage state S1, while theright end E2 b corresponds to the largest possible residual quantity ofink Ik in the first storage state S1.

Positions in the longitudinal direction of the sub object SOb correspondto possible values of the intermediate tank residual rate SR (valuesbetween 0 and 100%). Since the intermediate tank residual rate SRcorresponds to the residual quantity of ink Ik in the second storagestate S2, longitudinal positions in the sub object SOb correspond topossible residual quantities of ink Ik in the second storage state S2.For example, the left end E3 b corresponds to the smallest possibleresidual quantity of ink Ik in the second storage state S2, while theright end E4 b corresponds to the largest possible residual quantity ofink Ik in the second storage state S2. The longitudinal position of theright end E4 b of the sub object SOb is at the same longitudinalposition of the left end E1 b of the main object MOb.

A total longitudinal length TLb of the residual rate display image RIbis the display length TL set in S120. The ratio of the totallongitudinal length TLb of the residual rate display image RIb to alongitudinal length SLb of the sub object SOb is equivalent to the ratioof the total printable sheet number TN to the tank printable sheetnumber SN. The residual rate display image RIb includes a residual rateindication area IAb and a consumed rate indication area EAb. Thepercentage of a section in the main object MOb occupied by the residualrate indication area IAb to the entire main object MOb is equivalent tothe cartridge residual rate CR. Specifically, the main object MOb has atotal longitudinal length MLb and the section in the main object MOboccupied by the residual rate indication area IAb has a longitudinallength CRLb. The percentage of the longitudinal length CRLb to the totallongitudinal length MLb is equivalent to the cartridge residual rate CR.The residual rate display image RIb has a total longitudinal length TLband the residual rate indication area IAb has a longitudinal length RLb.The ratio of the longitudinal length RLb to the total longitudinallength TLb is equivalent to the ratio of the remaining printable sheetnumber RN to the total printable sheet number TN.

FIG. 6(D) shows an example of a residual rate display image RIcrepresented by display image data that is generated when the targetprinter is the printer 100C, which employs the single-chamber supplymethod. Since the printer 100C employing a single-chamber supply methodis not provided with an intermediate tank, the residual rate displayimage RIc includes only a main object MOc and not a sub object. Theresidual rate display image RIc (the main object MOc) includes aresidual rate indication area IAc and a consumed rate indication areaEAc. The residual rate display image RIc (the main object MOc) has atotal longitudinal length TLc and the residual rate indication area IAchas a longitudinal length RLc. In the case of the single-chamber supplymethod, the percentage of the longitudinal length RLc to the totallongitudinal length TLc is equivalent to the ratio of the remainingprintable sheet number RN to the total printable sheet number TN. Here,the total longitudinal length TLc is the display length TL set in S120.

In S170 of FIG. 5, the management server 300 determines whether allprinters under management have been processed as the target printer. Ifthere remain unprocessed printers (S170: NO), the management server 300returns to S115 and selects an unprocessed printer to be the targetprinter. When all printers have been processed (S170: YES), themanagement server 300 advances to S175.

In S175 the management server 300 generates image data representing themanagement list MLT using the display image data generated for each ofthe printers 100A, 100B, and 100C. The management list MLT is a list ofprinter information for the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C undermanagement. The management list MLT includes a plurality of columnsdisplaying items in the printer information. FIG. 7 shows an example ofa management list MLT that includes three display columns CL1, CL2, andCL3. The display column CL1 displays the serial numbers of the printers100A, 100B, and 100C under management. The display column CL2 displaysthe model names of the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C. The display columnCL3 displays information indicating the residual rate (percentage) ofink Ik for each of the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C, and specificallythe residual rate display images RIa, RIb, and RIc described above.

In the display column CL3, the positions of the left end E1 a of themain object MOa in the residual rate display image RIa, the left end E1b of the main object MOb in the residual rate display image RIb, and aleft end E1 c of the main object MOc in the residual rate display imageRIc are all aligned at a prescribed reference position Lref in thelongitudinal direction. The positions of the right end E4 a of the subobject SOa in the residual rate display image RIa and the right end E4 bof the sub object SOb in the residual rate display image RIb are alsoaligned at the reference position Lref in the longitudinal direction.

After generating the image data in S175, the management server 300 endsthe image data generating process.

The management server 300 displays the management list MLT on thedisplay 340 at predetermined timings by using the image data generatedin the image data generating process. For example, the management server300 may display the management list MLT when starting up the computerprogram PG2. The management server 300 may also display the managementlist MLT on the display 340 when a display request is acquired from theuser via the operation interface 350. The user of the management server300 is the administrator of the system 1000, for example. Theadministrator of the system 1000 may be a user of the printers 100A,100B, and 100C or may be someone other than a user of the printers 100A,100B, and 100C, such as the vendor of the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C.

According to the embodiment described above, the management server 300acquires a remaining printable sheet number RN from each of the printers100A, 100B, and 100C (S110 of FIG. 5), where the remaining printablesheet number RN is information related to the residual quantity of inkIk. The management server 300 generates image data representing themanagement list MLT (S115-S175 of FIG. 5). Here, the management list MLTincludes the residual rate display images RIa, RIb, and RIc. Theresidual rate display image RIa is for indicating the residual rate(percentage) of ink Ik (the cartridge residual rate CR and theintermediate tank residual rate SR) set based on the remaining printablesheet number RN for the printer 100A. The residual rate display imageRIb is for displaying the residual rate (percentage) of ink Ik set basedon the remaining printable sheet number RN for the printer 100B. Theresidual percentage display image RIc is for displaying the residualrate of ink Ik set based on the remaining printable page number RN forthe printer 100C. In the management list MLT, the longitudinal positionon the main object MOa corresponding to the smallest possible residualquantity of ink Ik for the printer 100A in the first storage state S1(and specifically the left end E1 a of the main object MOa), thelongitudinal position on the sub object SOa corresponding to the largestpossible residual quantity of ink Ik for the printer 100A in the secondstorage state S2 (and specifically the right end E4 a of the sub objectSOa), and the longitudinal position on the main object MOb correspondingto the smallest possible residual quantity of ink Ik for the printer100B in the first storage state S1 (and specifically the left end E1 bof the main object MOb) are all at the reference position Lref. Hence,the management server 300 can provide the management list MLT with whichthe user can easily grasp the residual rates (percentages) of ink Ik.For example, the management server 300 can provide the management listMLT by which the user can easily grasp the residual rate of ink Ik forthe printer 100A and the residual rate of ink Ik for the printer 100B.

In addition, in the management list MLT according to the embodiment, thelongitudinal position on the main object MOa corresponding to thesmallest possible residual quantity of ink Ik for the printer 100A inthe first storage state S1 (and specifically the left end E1 a of themain object MOa), the longitudinal position on the sub object SOacorresponding to the largest possible residual quantity of ink Ik forthe printer 100A in the second storage state S2 (and specifically theright end E4 a of the sub object SOa), and the longitudinal position onthe main object MOc corresponding to the smallest possible residualquantity of ink Ik for the printer 100C are all at the referenceposition Lref in the management list MLT. Accordingly, the managementserver 300 can provide the management list MLT by which the user caneasily grasp the residual rate of ink Ik for the printer 100A and theresidual rate of ink Ik for the printer 100C.

In the embodiment described above, the longitudinal position on the subobject SOb corresponding to the largest possible residual quantity ofink Ik for the printer 100B in the second storage state S2 (andspecifically the right end E4 b of the sub object SOb) is also at thereference position Lref in the management list MLT. Thus, the managementserver 300 can provide the management list MLT with which the user caneasily grasp the residual percentage of ink Ik for the printer 100A andthe residual percentage of ink Ik for the printer 100B.

In the embodiment, the main objects MOa, MOb, and MOc are all band-likeobjects extending rightward from the reference position Lref, while thesub objects SOa and SOb are both band-like objects extending leftwardfrom the reference position Lref, i.e., in the opposite direction to theextending direction of the main objects MOa, MOb, and MOc. Hence, theuser can understand at a glance whether the storage states of ink in theprinters 100A and 100B employing the double-chamber supply method arethe first storage state S1 or the second storage state S2.

In the embodiment, the residual rate display image RIa includes theconsumed rate indication area EAa and the residual rate indication areaIAa. Accordingly, the user can easily grasp the ratio of the residualquantity of ink Ik to the initial quantity of ink in the ink cartridge200A (i.e., the residual rate of ink Ik).

As described above, the management server 300 executes the image datagenerating process in FIG. 5 a plurality of times using each of theprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C as the target printer. In other words, themanagement server 300 acquires printer information including a remainingprintable sheet number RN from each of the printers 100A, 100B, and 100Cvia the communication interface 380 (S110 in FIG. 5). Accordingly, themanagement server 300 can generate image data representing themanagement list MLT that includes the residual rate display image RIafor the printer 100A, the residual rate display image RIb for theprinter 100B, and the residual rate display image RIc for the printer100C. In this way, the management server 300 can provide the managementlist MLT with which the user can easily grasp the residual quantities ofink Ik for a plurality of printers.

As described above, the ink cartridge 200A is an example of the firstcartridge, and the ink cartridges 200B and 200C are examples of thesecond cartridges. The remaining printable sheet number RN acquired fromthe printer 100A is an example of the first information, and theremaining printable sheet numbers RN acquired from the printers 100B and100C are examples of the second information. The main object MOa in theresidual rate display image RIa is an example of the first object, andthe sub object SOa is an example of the second object. The main objectsMOb and MOc of the corresponding residual rate display images RIb andRIc are examples of the third objects, and the sub object SOb of theresidual rate display image RIb is an example of the fourth object. Thefirst storage state S1 for the printer 100A is an example of the firststate, the second storage state S2 for the printer 100A is an example ofthe second state, the first storage state S1 for the printer 100B is anexample of the third state, and the second storage state S2 for theprinter 100B is an example of the fourth state. In addition, the stateof the printer 100C in which ink Ik remains in the ink cartridge 200C isan example of the third state.

B. Variations of the Embodiment

(1) FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B) show a residual rate display image RIa2according to a variation. FIG. 8(A) shows the residual rate displayimage RIa2 for the printer 100A employing the double-chamber supplymethod when the storage state of ink Ik for the printer 100A is thefirst storage state S1. FIG. 8(B) shows the residual rate display imageRIa2 when the storage state of ink Ik for the printer 100A is the secondstorage state S2.

As with the residual rate display image RIa in FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), theresidual rate display image RIa2 shown in in FIGS. 8(A) and 8(B)includes the main object MOa, and the sub object SOa. In the residualrate display image RIa of FIGS. 6(A) and 6(B), the main object MOa andthe sub object SOa are arranged at the same vertical position so thatthe longitudinal position of the left end E1 a of the main object MOacoincides with the longitudinal position of the right end E4 a of thesub object SOa. However, in the residual rate display image RIa2 ofFIGS. 8(A) and 8(B), the main object MOa and the sub object SOa arearranged at different vertical positions and are adjacent to each othervertically so that the longitudinal position of the left end E1 a of themain object MOa coincides with the longitudinal position of the left endE3 a of the sub object SOa.

FIG. 9 shows a display column CL32 displaying residual rates(percentages) of ink Ik according to the variation. As shown in FIG. 9,a residual rate display image RIb2 for the printer 100B includes themain object MOb and the sub object SOb, similar to the residual ratedisplay image RIa2 for the printer 100A. Here, the main object MOb andthe sub object SOb are arranged at different vertical positions and areadjacent to each other vertically so that the longitudinal position ofthe left end E1 b of the main object MOb coincides with the longitudinalposition of the left end E3 b of the sub object SOb. In the variationshown in FIG. 9, the residual rate display image RIc for the printer100C employing a single-chamber supply method is identical to theresidual rate display image RIc in the embodiment.

In the display column CL32 of the variation shown in FIG. 9, alongitudinal position on the main object MOa corresponding to thesmallest possible residual quantity of ink Ik for the printer 100A inthe first storage state S1 (and specifically the left end E1 a of themain object MOa), a longitudinal position on the sub object SOacorresponding to the smallest possible residual quantity of ink Ik forthe printer 100A in the second storage state S2 (and specifically theleft end E3 a of the sub object SOa), and a longitudinal position on themain object MOb corresponding to the smallest possible residual quantityof ink Ik for the printer 100B in the first storage state S1 (andspecifically the left end E1 b of the main object MOb) are all at thereference position Lref in the management list MLT. Further, the objectsMOa, SOa, MOb, and SOb all extend rightward from the reference positionLref. In this way, the management server 300 can provide the managementlist by which the user can easily grasp the residual rates of ink Ik forthe printers 100A and 100B.

Similarly, in the display column CL32 a longitudinal position on the subobject SOb corresponding to the smallest possible residual quantity ofink Ik for the printer 100B in the second storage state S2 (andspecifically the left end E3 b of the sub object SOb) and a longitudinalposition on the main object MOc corresponding to the smallest possibleresidual quantity of ink Ik for the printer 100C (and specifically theleft end E1 c of the main object MOc) are at the reference positionLref. Both of the sub object SOb and the main object MOc extendrightward from the reference position Lref. In this way, the managementserver 300 can provide the management list by which the residualquantities of ink Ik for the printers 100B and 100C can be easilygrasped.

(2) In the embodiment described above, as shown in FIG. 7, the residualrate display images RIa, RIb, and RIc specifying residual rates of inkIk are displayed in the display column CL3 of the management list MLT asimages indicating index values related to the residual quantities of inkIk. However, the display column may display other index valuesrepresenting residual quantities of ink Ik, such as remaining printablesheet numbers RN or the actual residual quantities of ink Ik. Suchvariations can also provide a display column by which the residualquantities of ink Ik in the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C can easily begrasped. Further, in this variation, a cartridge printable sheet numberCP may be set to a value obtained by dividing the residual quantity ofink Ik by the average quantity of ink used for printing one sheet, forexample. An example of this variation in which remaining printable sheetnumbers RN are displayed will be described next.

FIGS. 10(A) and 10(B) show examples of display columns CL33 and CL34 fordisplaying printable sheet numbers according to the variation. Sheetnumber display images RIa3, RIb3, and RIc3 are displayed in the displaycolumn CL33 of FIG. 10(A), and sheet number display images RIa4, RIb4,and RIc4 are displayed in the display column CL34 shown in FIG. 10(B).

In the present variation, rather than setting the cartridge residualrate CR to 0% in S135 of FIG. 5, the management server 300 sets a sheetnumber CP of printing material that can be printed using the remainingink Ik in the ink cartridge (hereinafter called the “cartridge printablesheet number CP”) to 0. When the target printer employs thedouble-chamber supply method and is in the second storage state S2, thecartridge printable sheet number CP is set to 0 in this way. In S140 themanagement server 300 obtains a sheet number SP of printing materialthat can be printed based on the ink Ik remaining in the intermediatetank (hereinafter called the “remaining tank printable sheet number SP”)rather than calculating the intermediate tank residual rate SR. When thetarget printer employs the double-chamber supply method and is in thesecond storage state S2, the remaining tank printable sheet number SP isequivalent to the remaining printable sheet number RN (SP=RN).

In S150 the management server 300 calculates the cartridge printablesheet number CP rather than the cartridge residual rate CR. When thetarget printer has the double-chamber supply method and is in the firststorage state S1, the cartridge printable sheet number CP is found bysubtracting the tank printable sheet number SN from the remainingprintable sheet number RN (CP=RN−SN). In S155 the management server 300sets the remaining tank printable sheet number SP rather than theintermediate tank residual rate SR. When the printer employs thedouble-chamber supply method and is in the first storage state S1, theremaining tank printable sheet number SP is equivalent to the tankprintable sheet number SN in the original (SP=SN). With thedouble-chamber supply method is employed, the sum of the remaining tankprintable sheet number SP and the cartridge printable sheet number CP isequivalent to the remaining printable sheet number RN (RN=SP+CP).

In S160 the management server 300 sets the cartridge printable sheetnumber CP rather than the cartridge residual rate CR. With asingle-chamber supply method, the cartridge printable sheet number CP isequivalent to the remaining printable sheet number RN (CP=RN).

The sheet number display images RIa3, RIb3, and RIc3 in FIG. 10(A)indicate the remaining printable sheet numbers RN of the correspondingprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C. As shown in FIG. 10(A), the sheet numberdisplay image RIa3 includes a main object MOa3, and a sub object SOa3.Similarly, the sheet number display image RIb3 includes a main objectMOb3, and a sub object SOb3. The sheet number display image RIc3includes a main object MOc3. In each sheet number display image, thecorresponding main object and the sub object are arranged at the samevertical position and are adjacent to each other in the left-rightdirection. Each main object is a band-like object specifying thecartridge printable sheet number CP by its longitudinal length. Each subobject is a band-like object specifying the remaining tank printablesheet number SP by its longitudinal length. The total length of eachsheet number display image specifies the remaining printable sheetnumber RN.

In this variation, as in the display column CL3 of the embodiment (seeFIG. 7), the longitudinal positions of the left end of the main objectMOa3 constituting the sheet number display image RIa3, the left end ofthe main object MOb3 constituting the sheet number display image RIb3,and the left end of the main object MOc3 constituting the sheet numberdisplay image RIc3 are all at the prescribed reference position Lref.Similarly, the longitudinal positions of the right end of the sub objectSOa3 constituting the sheet number display image RIa3 and the right endof the sub object SOb3 constituting the sheet number display image RIb3are all at the reference position Lref.

The sheet number display images RIa4, RIb4, and RIc4 in FIG. 10(B)specify the remaining printable sheet numbers RN of the correspondingprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C. As shown in FIG. 10(B), the sheet numberdisplay image RIa4 includes a main object MOa4, and a sub object SOa4.Similarly, the sheet number display image RIb4 includes a main objectMOb4, and a sub object SOb4. The sheet number display image RIc4includes a main object MOc4. The main object and sub object in each ofthe sheet number display images are arranged at different verticalpositions and are adjacent to each other vertically. Each main object isa band-like object specifying the cartridge printable sheet number CP byits longitudinal length. Each sub object is a band-like objectspecifying the remaining tank printable sheet number SP by itslongitudinal length.

In this variation, as in the display column CL32 of the first variation(see FIG. 9), the longitudinal positions of the left end of the mainobject MOa4 constituting the sheet number display image RIa4, the leftend of the main object MOb4 constituting the sheet number display imageRIb4, and the left end of the main object MOc4 constituting the sheetnumber display image RIc4 are all at the prescribed reference positionLref. The longitudinal positions of the left end of the sub object SOa4constituting the sheet number display image RIa4 and the left end of thesub object SOb4 constituting the sheet number display image RIb4 are allat the prescribed reference position Lref.

(3) In the embodiment and variations described above, the main objectand the sub object of each display image are band-like objects extendinglinearly, but these objects may be curved band-like objects.

FIGS. 11(A) and 11(B) show display examples of columns CL35 and CL36 fordisplaying printable sheet numbers according to another variation of theembodiment. Residual rate display image RIa5, RIb5, and RIc5 aredisplayed in the display column CL35 of FIG. 11(A), and sheet numberdisplay images RIa6, RIb6, and RIc6 are displayed in the display columnCL36 of FIG. 11(B).

As with the residual rate display images RIa, RIb, and RIc in theembodiment, the residual rate display images RIa5, RIb5, and RIc5 inFIG. 11(A) indicate residual rate (percentages) of ink Ik (the cartridgeresidual rate CR and the intermediate tank residual rate SR) for thecorresponding printers 100A, 100B, and 100C. As shown in FIG. 11(A), theresidual rate display image RIa5 includes a main object MOa5, and a subobject SOa5. Similarly, the residual rate display image RIb5 includes amain object MOb5, and a sub object SOb5. The residual rate display imageRIc5 includes a main object MOc5. Each of the main object and the subobject is a band-like object extending in an arcuate shape in acircumferential direction. In each residual rate display image, the mainobject and the sub object have the same radial position and arejuxtaposed in the circumferential direction. The longitudinal(circumferential) length of each main object indicates the cartridgeresidual rate CR, and the longitudinal length of each sub objectindicates the intermediate tank residual rate SR.

Similar to the embodiment, positions in the longitudinal direction(circumferential direction) in each of the main objects MOa5 and MOb5correspond to possible values of the cartridge residual rate CR (orpossible residual quantities of the ink Ik) for the correspondingprinter when the storage state is the first storage state S1. Positionsin the longitudinal direction (circumferential direction) in each of thesub objects SOa5 and SOb5 correspond to possible vales of theintermediate tank residual rate SR (or possible residual quantities ofthe ink Ik) for the corresponding printer when the storage state is thesecond storage state S2. Positions in the longitudinal direction(circumferential direction) in the main object MOc5 correspond topossible values of the cartridge residual rate CR (or possible residualquantities of the ink Ik) for the printer C. In this variation, thecircumferential end of each of the main object and the sub objectcorresponding to the smallest possible index value (the cartridgeresidual rate CR or the intermediate tank residual rate SR, for example)will be called a “minimum value end,” and the circumferential endcorresponding to the largest possible index value will be called a“maximum value end.” In this variation, the longitudinal positions ofthe minimum value end of the main object MOa5 in the residual ratedisplay image RIa5, the minimum value end of the main object MOb5 in theresidual rate display image RIb5, and the minimum value end of the mainobject MOc5 in the residual rate display image RIc5 are at a prescribedreference position Lrefb in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinalpositions of the maximum value end of the sub object SOa5 in theresidual rate display image RIa5 and the maximum value end of the subobject SOb5 in the residual rate display image RIb5 are also at theprescribed reference position Lrefb.

The sheet number display images RIa6, RIb6, and RIc6 in FIG. 11(B)specify the remaining printable sheet numbers RN of the correspondingprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C. As shown in FIG. 11(B), the sheet numberdisplay image RIa6 includes a main object MOa6, and a sub object SOa6.Similarly, the sheet number display image RIb6 includes a main objectMOb6, and a sub object SOb6. The sheet number display image RIc6includes a main object MOc6. In each of the sheet number display images,the main object and the sub object are disposed at different radialpositions and are adjacent to each other radially. The longitudinal(circumferential) length of each main object indicates the cartridgeprintable sheet number CP, while the longitudinal length of each subobject indicates the remaining tank printable sheet number SP.

In this variation, the longitudinal positions for the minimum value endof the main object MOa6 in the sheet number display image RIa6, theminimum value end of the main object MOb6 in the sheet number displayimage RIb6, and the minimum value end of the main object MOc6 in thesheet number display image RIc6 are all at the prescribed referenceposition Lrefb. Also, the longitudinal positions of the minimum valueend of the sub object SOa6 in the sheet number display image RIa6 andthe minimum value end of the sub object SOb6 in the sheet number displayimage RIb6 are at the prescribed reference position Lrefb.

With this variation, the management server 300 can still provide displaycolumns with which the user can easily grasp the residual quantities ofink Ik for the printers 100A, 100B, and 100C.

(4) The printer 100A used as an example of the target printer in theembodiment described above is provided with a monochromatic printexecution device 160 employing a single ink color (black (K), forexample). However, the printer 100A may be provided with a printingmechanism using multiple colors of ink, such as a printing mechanismcapable of printing color images using ink in the four colors cyan (C),magenta (M), yellow (Y), and black (K). In this case, four inkcartridges 200A corresponding to the four colors of ink can be mountedin the printer 100A. The printer 100A is also provided with four inksupply portions 170A corresponding to the four ink colors. With thisconfiguration, the initial quantity of ink Ik may be different for allor some of the ink cartridges 200A. For example, ink cartridges 200A forchromatic inks C, M, and Y may have different initial quantities of inkIk than that of the ink cartridge 200A for the achromatic ink K.Further, the boundary ink volume in the intermediate tank 175A maydiffer for all or some of the ink cartridges 200A. For example, theintermediate tanks 175A corresponding to ink cartridges 200A for thechromatic inks C, M, and Y may have a different boundary ink volume fromthat of the intermediate tank 175A corresponding to the ink cartridge200A for the achromatic ink K.

In this example, the display column for displaying residual rate displayimages includes four such residual rate display images for a singleprinter to correspond to the four colors of ink. Each of these fourdisplay images includes a main object and a sub object, as with theresidual rate display image RIa in FIG. 6(A) or the residual ratedisplay image RIa2 in FIG. 8(A). The longitudinal positions for theminimum value ends of all main objects in the four display images arealigned at the prescribed reference position. The longitudinal positionsfor either the maximum value ends or the minimum value ends of the subobjects in the four display images are also aligned at the prescribedreference position.

(5) In the embodiment described above, the display column CL3 isdisplayed on the display 340 of the management server 300. However, whenthe printer is provided with four colors of ink, as in the variation (4)described above, a display column that includes four residual ratedisplay images corresponding to the four ink colors may be displayed onthe display 140 of the printer 100A. In this case, the printer 100A (theCPU 110) may generate screen data representing the display column basedon printer information stored in the information database IB, and maydisplay this display column on the display 140 based on the screen data.

(6) In the embodiment described above, the target printer, such as theprinter 100A, is provided with an inkjet print execution device 160.However, all or a part of the printers 100A-100C may instead be providedwith a printing mechanism employing an electrophotographic method (alaser method, for example) for printing images using toner as theprinting agent. In this case, the printer 100A or 100B may be providedwith a supply portion in which a toner cartridge is mountable, anintermediate tank (a subtank for temporarily storing toner, forexample), and a print execution device that executes printing operationsusing toner accommodated in the intermediate tank. The display columnsCL3, and CL32-CL36 (FIGS. 7, 9, 10(A)-11(B)) described above in theembodiment and its variations may be also be applied to the systemhaving this type of printer employing a double-chamber supply method forsupplying toner.

(7) In the embodiment described above, the management server 300acquires the total printable sheet number TN, the remaining printablesheet number RN, and the tank printable sheet number SN from each of theprinters 100A, 100B, and 100C and calculates the cartridge residual rateCR and the intermediate tank residual rate SR (S135-S160 of FIG. 5).However, as a variation, each printer may calculate the cartridgeresidual rate CR and the intermediate tank residual rate SR. In thiscase, the printers may store the cartridge residual rate CR and theintermediate tank residual rate SR in their information database IB.Hence, the management server 300 may acquire the cartridge residual rateCR and the intermediate tank residual rate SR from each printer in S110of FIG. 5.

Further, the tank printable sheet number SN may be prestored on themanagement server 300 in association with the model name for each modelof printer. In this case, the management server 300 references the modelname acquired from each printer in order to extract the tank printablesheet number SN stored in association with the model name. Similarly, atotal printable sheet number TN may be prestored on the managementserver 300 in association with the part number of each ink cartridge. Inthis case, the management server 300 may reference the part number ofthe ink cartridge acquired from each printer in order to extract thetotal printable sheet number TN stored in association with that partnumber.

(8) In the embodiment and variations described above, the main objectand the sub object of each display image is a band-like object elongatedin the left-right direction, but the main object and the sub object maybe displayed in other forms. For example, the main object and the subobject may be band-like objects elongated vertically. Alternatively,each of the main object and the sub object may be configured of aplurality of round objects arrayed in a prescribed direction(vertically, for example). In this case, the cartridge residual rate CRand the intermediate tank residual rate SR may be indicated by thenumber of round objects.

(9) In the embodiment described above, the management server 300 outputsscreen data in a form for displaying a management list MLT (see FIG. 7)including display columns on the display 340 based on the screen data.However, the management server 300 may output screen data bytransmitting the screen data to a user terminal device, such as asmartphone or a personal computer. In this case, the management list MLTis displayed on a display of the terminal device.

(10) In the embodiment described above, the management server 300executes the image data generating process of FIG. 5. However, eachprinter under management may execute the process from S120 to S165 inFIG. 5 to generate the display screen data, and may transmit thisdisplay screen data to the management server 300. Thereafter, themanagement server 300 may use the display screen data acquired from eachprinter to generate screen data representing the management list MLT.

(11) While the management server 300 is connected to the local areanetwork NT in the embodiment, the management server 300 may be connectedto the internet instead. In this case, the printers 100A, 100B, and 100Cperiodically and automatically transmit printer information to themanagement server 300, for example. The management server 300 uses thisprinter information to execute the image data generating process of FIG.5. Subsequently, the management server 300 transmits screen datarepresenting the management list MLT to a user terminal device inresponse to a request from the device, as described above. In this case,the management server 300 may be a cloud server, for example, thatincludes a plurality of computers capable of communicating with eachother over a network.

(12) In the embodiment described above, part of the configurationimplemented in hardware may be replaced with software and, conversely,all or part of the configuration implemented in software may be replacedwith hardware.

(13) When all or some of the functions of the present disclosure areimplemented with computer programs, the programs may be stored on acomputer-readable storage medium (a non-temporary storage medium, forexample). The programs may be used on the same storage medium on whichthey were supplied or may be transferred to a different storage medium(a computer-readable storage medium). The “computer-readable storagemedium” may be a portable storage medium, such as a memory card orCD-ROM; an internal storage built into the computer, such as any ofvarious ROM or the like; or an external storage, such as a hard diskdrive, connected to the computer.

While the disclosure has been described in detail with reference to theabove embodiments, it would be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications may be made thereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing apparatus comprising aprocessor configured to perform: acquiring first information on aresidual quantity of printing agent stored in a first cartridge mountedon a first supply portion, the first supply portion being a first typeof supply portion including a first tank configured to store printingagent supplied from the first cartridge, the first supply portion beingconfigured to supply the printing agent stored in the first tank to afirst print execution device; acquiring second information on a residualquantity of printing agent stored in a second cartridge mounted on asecond supply portion, the second supply portion being one of a secondtype of supply portion including a second tank and a third type ofsupply portion without any tank, the second tank configured to storeprinting agent supplied from the second cartridge and having a volumedifferent from that of the first tank, the second supply portion beingconfigured to supply the printing agent stored in the second cartridgeto a second print execution device; generating display screen datarepresenting a display screen including a first display image and asecond display image, the first display image being for expressing afirst index value based on the first information, the first index valueconcerning a residual quantity of the printing agent to be supplied tothe first print execution device, the second display image being forexpressing a second index value based on the second information, thesecond index value concerning a residual quantity of the printing agentto be supplied to the second print execution device; and outputting thedisplay screen data, wherein the first display image includes a firstobject and a second object, wherein positions in the first objectindicate possible residual quantities of the printing agent to besupplied to the first print execution device in a first state whereprinting agent remains in both the first cartridge and the first tank,the positions in the first object having a first position correspondingto a possible minimum residual quantity of the printing agent in thefirst state, wherein positions in the second object indicate possibleresidual quantities of the printing agent to be supplied to the firstprint execution device in a second state where the printing agent doesnot remain in the first cartridge but remains in the first tank, thepositions in the second object having a second position and a thirdposition, the second position corresponding to a possible maximumresidual quantity of the printing agent in the second state, the thirdposition corresponding to a possible minimum residual quantity of theprinting agent in the second state, wherein the second display imageincludes a third object, wherein positions in the third object indicatepossible residual quantities of the printing agent to be supplied to thesecond print execution device in a third state where the printing agentremains in the second cartridge, the positions in the third objecthaving a fourth position corresponding to a possible minimum residualquantity of the printing agent in the third state, wherein the firstposition, one of the second position and the third position, and thefourth position are aligned at a reference position.
 2. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second supplyportion is the third type of supply portion, and is configured to supplythe printing agent stored in the second cartridge to the second printexecution device without any tank between the second cartridge and thesecond print execution device.
 3. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the second supply portion is the secondtype of supply portion and is configured to supply the printing agentstored in the second tank to the second print execution device, whereinthe second display image further includes a fourth object, wherein thepositions in the third object indicates the possible residual quantitiesof the printing agent in the third state where the printing agentremains in both the second cartridge and the second tank, whereinpositions in the fourth object indicates possible residual quantities ofthe printing agent to be supplied to the second print execution devicein a fourth state where the printing agent does not remain in the secondcartridge but remains in the second tank, the positions in the fourthobject including a fifth position and a sixth position, the fifthposition corresponding to a possible maximum residual quantity of theprinting agent in the fourth state, the sixth position corresponding toa possible minimum residual quantity of the printing agent in the fourthstate, wherein one of the fifth position and the sixth position isfurther aligned at the reference position.
 4. The information processingapparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the first object, thesecond object, and the third object is a straight or curved band likeobject extending in a longitudinal direction, wherein, for each of thefirst object, the second object, and the third object, one position inthe longitudinal direction corresponds to a first residual quantity,wherein, for each of the first object, the second object, and the thirdobject, another position, which is closer to an end position than theone position to the end position in the longitudinal direction,corresponds to a second residual quantity smaller than the firstresidual quantity.
 5. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 4, wherein each of the first object, the second object, and thethird object extends in the longitudinal direction from the referenceposition.
 6. The information processing apparatus according to claim 4,wherein each of the first object and the third object extends in thelongitudinal direction from the reference position, wherein the secondobject extends in an opposite direction of the longitudinal directionfrom the reference position.
 7. The information processing apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the first index value is a ratio of aresidual quantity of the printing agent stored in the first cartridge toan initial quantity of the printing agent stored in the first cartridge,wherein the second index value is a ratio of a residual quantity of theprinting agent stored in the second cartridge to an initial quantity ofthe printing agent stored in the second cartridge.
 8. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first index valueis one of a residual quantity of the printing agent stored in the firstcartridge and printable sheet number which is capable of being printedby using the residual quantity of the printing agent stored in the firstcartridge, wherein the second index value is one of a residual quantityof the printing agent stored in the second cartridge and printable sheetnumber which is capable of being printed by using the residual quantityof the printing agent stored in the second cartridge.
 9. The informationprocessing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the initial quantityof the printing agent stored in the first cartridge is a first quantity,and the initial quantity of the printing agent stored in the secondcartridge is a second quantity, wherein a size of the first object and asize of the second object are determined by using one of first data andsecond data, the first data including the first quantity and the secondquantity, the second data including first printable sheet number whichis capable of being printed by using the first quantity and secondprintable sheet number which is capable of being printed by using thesecond quantity.
 10. The information processing apparatus according toclaim 1, further comprising a communication interface configured tocommunicate with a plurality of printers, the plurality of printersincluding a first printer and a second printer, the first printer havingthe first supply portion and the first print execution device, thesecond printer having the second supply portion and the second printexecution device, wherein the first information is acquired from thefirst printer via the communication interface, wherein the secondinformation is acquired from the second printer via the communicationinterface.
 11. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium storinga set of program instructions for an information processing apparatusincluding a processor, the set of program instructions comprising:acquiring first information on a residual quantity of printing agentstored in a first cartridge mounted on a first supply portion, the firstsupply portion being a first type of supply portion including a firsttank configured to store printing agent supplied from the firstcartridge, the first supply portion being configured to supply theprinting agent stored in the first tank to a first print executiondevice; acquiring second information on a residual quantity of printingagent stored in a second cartridge mounted on a second supply portion,the second supply portion being one of a second type of supply portionincluding a second tank and a third type of supply portion without anytank, the second tank configured to store printing agent supplied fromthe second cartridge and having a volume different from that of thefirst tank, the second supply portion being configured to supply theprinting agent stored in the second cartridge to a second printexecution device; generating display screen data representing a displayscreen including a first display image and a second display image, thefirst display image being for expressing a first index value based onthe first information, the first index value concerning a residualquantity of the printing agent to be supplied to the first printexecution device, the second display image being for expressing a secondindex value based on the second information, the second index valueconcerning a residual quantity of the printing agent to be supplied tothe second print execution device; and outputting the display screendata, wherein the first display image includes a first object and asecond object, wherein positions in the first object indicate possibleresidual quantities of the printing agent to be supplied to the firstprint execution device in a first state where printing agent remains inboth the first cartridge and the first tank, the positions in the firstobject having a first position corresponding to a possible minimumresidual quantity of the printing agent in the first state, whereinpositions in the second object indicate possible residual quantities ofthe printing agent to be supplied to the first print execution device ina second state where the printing agent does not remain in the firstcartridge but remains in the first tank, the positions in the secondobject having a second position and a third position, the secondposition corresponding to a possible maximum residual quantity of theprinting agent in the second state, the third position corresponding toa possible minimum residual quantity of the printing agent in the secondstate, wherein the second display image includes a third object, whereinpositions in the third object indicate possible residual quantities ofthe printing agent to be supplied to the second print execution devicein a third state where the printing agent remains in the secondcartridge, the positions in the third object having a fourth positioncorresponding to a possible minimum residual quantity of the printingagent in the third state, wherein the first position, one of the secondposition and the third position, and the fourth position are aligned ata reference position.
 12. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium according to claim 11, wherein the second supply portion is thethird type of supply portion, and is configured to supply the printingagent stored in the second cartridge to the second print executiondevice without any tank between the second cartridge and the secondprint execution device.
 13. The non-transitory computer readable storagemedium according to claim 11, wherein the second supply portion is thesecond type of supply portion and is configured to supply the printingagent stored in the second tank to the second print execution device,wherein the second display image further includes a fourth object,wherein the positions in the third object indicates the possibleresidual quantities of the printing agent in the third state where theprinting agent remains in both the second cartridge and the second tank,wherein positions in the fourth object indicates possible residualquantities of the printing agent to be supplied to the second printexecution device in a fourth state where the printing agent does notremain in the second cartridge but remains in the second tank, thepositions in the fourth object including a fifth position and a sixthposition, the fifth position corresponding to a possible maximumresidual quantity of the printing agent in the fourth state, the sixthposition corresponding to a possible minimum residual quantity of theprinting agent in the fourth state, wherein one of the fifth positionand the sixth position is further aligned at the reference position. 14.The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim11, wherein each of the first object, the second object, and the thirdobject is a straight or curved band like object extending in alongitudinal direction, wherein, for each of the first object, thesecond object, and the third object, one position in the longitudinaldirection corresponds to a first residual quantity, wherein, for each ofthe first object, the second object, and the third object, anotherposition, which is closer to an end position than the one position tothe end position in the longitudinal direction, corresponds to a secondresidual quantity smaller than the first residual quantity.
 15. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 14,wherein each of the first object, the second object, and the thirdobject extends in the longitudinal direction from the referenceposition.
 16. The non-transitory computer readable storage mediumaccording to claim 14, wherein each of the first object and the thirdobject extends in the longitudinal direction from the referenceposition, wherein the second object extends in an opposite direction ofthe longitudinal direction from the reference position.
 17. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 11,wherein the first index value is a ratio of a residual quantity of theprinting agent stored in the first cartridge to an initial quantity ofthe printing agent stored in the first cartridge, wherein the secondindex value is a ratio of a residual quantity of the printing agentstored in the second cartridge to an initial quantity of the printingagent stored in the second cartridge.
 18. The non-transitory computerreadable storage medium according to claim 11, wherein the first indexvalue is one of a residual quantity of the printing agent stored in thefirst cartridge and printable sheet number which is capable of beingprinted by using the residual quantity of the printing agent stored inthe first cartridge, wherein the second index value is one of a residualquantity of the printing agent stored in the second cartridge andprintable sheet number which is capable of being printed by using theresidual quantity of the printing agent stored in the second cartridge.19. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium according toclaim 18, wherein the initial quantity of the printing agent stored inthe first cartridge is a first quantity, and the initial quantity of theprinting agent stored in the second cartridge is a second quantity,wherein a size of the first object and a size of the second object aredetermined by using one of first data and second data, the first dataincluding the first quantity and the second quantity, the second dataincluding first printable sheet number which is capable of being printedby using the first quantity and second printable sheet number which iscapable of being printed by using the second quantity.
 20. Thenon-transitory computer readable storage medium according to claim 11,further comprising a communication interface configured to communicatewith a plurality of printers, the plurality of printers including afirst printer and a second printer, the first printer having the firstsupply portion and the first print execution device, the second printerhaving the second supply portion and the second print execution device,wherein the first information is acquired from the first printer via thecommunication interface, wherein the second information is acquired fromthe second printer via the communication interface.